Yarn Threading Robot Suction Gun Grounding Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Yarn threading robots experience static electricity buildup due to contact with yarns, which can adversely affect their control systems, leading to potential malfunctions and inefficiencies in yarn processing operations.

Innovation Solution

A conductive path is established from the retaining portion of the robot to a ground terminal, ensuring that static electricity is dissipated without flowing to the controller, using insulated wires and separate grounding paths to prevent interference and maintain system stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the retaining portion makes contact with yarns to perform yarn threading operations, then the productivity and automation level are improved, but static electricity accumulates in the retaining portion which may adversely affect the control system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn threading efficiencyVSAvoidstatic electricity interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding path is segmented into two separate paths: one for the controller and one for the retaining portion. This segmentation ensures that static electricity from the retaining portion does not flow through the controller, eliminating electrical interference while maintaining automation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated grounding terminal and grounding wire act as an intermediary path for static electricity discharge. This intermediary grounding system provides a safe discharge route for static charges without involving the controller, thus protecting the control system from electrical damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a grounding path is provided from the retaining portion to the controller, then static electricity can be discharged, but the controller may be adversely influenced by electric charges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity dischargeVSAvoidcontroller interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding system is divided into separate paths: one path through the grounding terminal for the retaining portion, and another path through the grounding wire for the controller. This segmentation allows both components to be grounded independently, preventing static electricity from damaging the controller while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the robot arm moves freely to thread yarns to various positions, then the adaptability and operation flexibility are improved, but the complexity of managing conductive paths and insulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot movement flexibilityVSAvoidconductive path management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding terminal serves as a fixed intermediary point that remains stationary regardless of robot arm movement. The grounding wire connects this fixed terminal to the moving retaining portion, allowing the robot to move freely while maintaining a reliable grounding connection through the flexible wire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding terminal provides multiple functions: it serves as a grounding point for the retaining portion, a reference point for the grounding wire, and a stable electrical connection point that remains effective regardless of robot position or orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively removes static electricity from the robot's retaining portion, preventing adverse effects on the controller and ensuring stable operation of the yarn processing machinery.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive path 60 which extends from the suction gun 37 to a terminal 55d provided on the running unit 34 without passing the robot controller 102 so as to cause the suction gun 37 to be electrically conductive with the terminal 55d

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the lead wire 63 and the robot controller 102 are insulated by an insulating cover 64 extending along the lead wire 63

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3613687B1Work robot and textile machine provided with work robot
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 TMT MACHINERY INC
  • EP3613687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3613687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3613687B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Static electricity generated in a retaining portion is swiftly removed and an influence of the static electricity on a controller is restrained. A yarn threading robot 3 performing yarn threading to a take-up apparatus 2 includes a robot main body 31, a robotic arm 32 connected to the robot main body 31, a suction gun 37 attached to the robotic arm 32 to retain yarns, a robot controller 102, and a terminal 55d in contact with a grounded ground wire 54. A conductive path 60 is formed to extend from the suction gun 37 to the terminal 55d without passing the robot controller 102 so as to cause the suction gun 37 to be electrically conductive with the terminal 55d. The suction gun 37 is connected to the ground wire 54 via the conductive path 60 and the terminal 55d so as to be grounded. On this account, the static electricity generated in the suction gun 37 due to contact with the yarn Y is swiftly removed and the occurrence of adverse effects due to the flow of electric changes to the robot controller 102 is restrained.